Thousands of Jamaicans packed the National Stadium in St Andrew on Thursday as the country marked 64 years of Independence with the signature Grand Gala event celebrated under the theme ‘United in Celebrating Resilience’. The Grand Gala, held annually by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport through the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission, is the grand finale of Jamaica’s Emancipation and Independence season. Portfolio minister Olivia Grange said that the event, which had more than 1,800 participants, would present Jamaica’s story, diversity, achievements, and creative power on the nation’s largest cultural stage. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)
August 7, 2026
